Belt self-adjustable to the waist

ABSTRACT

A belt that is self-adjustable to the waist comprises a long flexible strap ( 1 ), which constitutes the belt itself, with a cross-section formed by a complete flattened loop with a free gap ( 2 ), like a flattened tube, one of the ends of the strap being folded ( 3 ) and normally receiving at least one belt loop ( 4 ) and a conventional coupling device ( 5 ) suitable for providing means for quickly adjusting and coupling or uncoupling the other end of the strap ( 1 ); the strap ( 1 ) is split into two parts near the fold ( 3 ), forming two adjacent ends ( 6 ) and ( 7 ), inside which an elastic strap ( 8 ) and a guide tongue ( 9 ) operate and together allow a variable belt diameter to be achieved after the belt is adjusted to the user&#39;s body. This effect can also be obtained with other arrangements, i.e. coupling the buckle ( 5 ) to other elastic means ( 11 ), ( 25 ) and ( 26 ), which also cooperate such that the belt ( 1 ), after being adjusted to the user&#39;s waist, can be automatically adjusted, the circumference of the belt increasing or decreasing sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the user changes position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to technical and functional improvementsto a conventional belt, especially those made of leather, although theimprovement in question may be applied to belts made of other materials;such improvement further consists in providing an elastic means so that,after putting the belt on and appropriately adjusting it to the waist,it can automatically increase or decrease its circumference, especiallywhen the user changes position from the standing to sitting, because inthis position the scapular region suffers a slight increase toaccommodate the abdomen. This elastic effect allows the belt, that isalready adjusted to the body, to expand or contract according to theneed of the person's body when wearing it, providing more comfort to theuser, especially when sitting, eliminating the feeling of a tight beltthat causes discomfort and usually occurs in the sitting, squatting orsimilar positions.

PRIOR ART

Currently there are some ways a common belt can automatically undergominor adjustments after being adjusted to the waist, as taught indocuments: BR6400148, BR7500699, BRMU8701236, BRPI0801535, CN201409494,DE19955279, TWM360586, U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,827, U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,406,US2005015853 and WO2011034333. Some have very complicated devices at thebelt buckle for the automatic adjustment, while others use an elasticsection, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,406, i.e., a short segment ofelastic material is brought into a suitable position of the belt length,usually near the buckle. In this condition, said elastic segment allowsthe belt to increase and decrease the circumference self-adjusting tothe user's waist, therefore, it provides the desired comfort, i.e.,eliminates that feeling of tightness in the waist area when sitting.

Although conventional means allow the belt to self-adjust to the user'sbody, it was noted that such devices could be further improved, because,in all cases found, the elastic strap is permanently apparent, whichnegatively alters the design of the belt design and even changes itsstyle, negatively affecting the overall appearance of the clothing.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the invention is to provide fully embedded elasticand telescopic means, so that the belt, after being adjusted to thewaist, can be automatically adjusted by increasing and decreasing itscircumference sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the userchanges position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again,eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt.

Another object of the invention is to maintain the external visualappearance of the belt unchanged, i.e., close to the buckle; said beltis split and, at this point, only a fine line is visible and also atthis point, one side of the belt embeds the elastic means and atelescopic guide, consequently, the said split ends move away only whenthe belt is automatically adjusted to “larger”, such as when the usersits down, going back to its normal position when the user stands up.

Maintaining the same functional concept, the present invention offersdifferent embodiments for said elastic means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present Invention, a detaileddescription of the same is provided, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the belt according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of section A-A shown in the previous figure,showing the internal details of the belt;

FIG. 4 presents an isometric view of the extended belt, highlighting theelastic means to the automatic adjustment to the user's waist;

FIG. 5 depicts an isometric view of the belt according to a constructivevariation;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the belt;

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of section shown in the previous figure;

FIG. 8 presents an isometric view of the extended belt, highlighting theelastic means of constructive variation to its automatic adjustment tothe user's waist;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views highlighting the construction ofthe guide tongue as a continuing part that configures the attachmentpoints of the buckle and the loop;

FIG. 11 is a front angle perspective view showing the first constructiveversion of the elastic means for self-adjustment of the belt;

FIG. 12 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 shows a view of the section C-C shown in FIG. 13,particularizing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic meansof the belt of the first constructive version;

FIG. 16 represents a view of section D-D indicated in FIG. 14, alsoshowing internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the beltof the first constructive version;

FIG. 17 is a view of section E-E shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a view of section F-F shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a front angle perspective view, equal to FIG. 11, but in thiscase the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are extended;

FIG. 20 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of FIG. 12, alsoshowing the extended elastic means;

FIG. 21 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt equal to FIG. 13,and, likewise, in this case the elastic means are extended;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the belt equal to FIG. 14, but showing theextended elastic means;

FIG. 23 shows a view of section G-G illustrated in FIG. 21,particularizing the operation of the self-adjusting elastic means of thebelt of the first constructive version, and in this case, such elasticmeans are fully extended;

FIG. 24 is a front angle perspective view showing the secondconstructive version of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt;

FIG. 25 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 shows a view of section H-H shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 shows a view of section I-I indicated in FIG. 26, as well asother three enlarged details, two cross-sections and a perspective view,particularizing internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means ofthe belt of the second constructive version;

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of section I-I indicated in FIG. 26, alsoshowing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of thebelt of the first constructive version;

FIG. 31 is a front angle perspective view equal to FIG. 24 showing thesecond constructive version, but in this case the self-adjusting elasticmeans of the belt are extended;

FIG. 32 shows a rear angle perspective view of FIG. 25, but in this casethe self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are also extended;

FIG. 33 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 shows a view of section J-J shown in FIG. 33, particularizingthe internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt ofthe second constructive version;

FIG. 36 is an isometric view of section J-J shown in FIG. 33, alsoshowing the internal details of the extended self-adjusting elasticmeans of the belt of the second constructive version;

FIG. 37 is a front angle perspective view showing the third constructiveversion of the elastic means for self-adjustment of the belt;

FIG. 38 shows a rear angle perspective view of the belt of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 shows a view of section K-K shown in FIG. 39, particularizingthe internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt ofthe first constructive version;

FIG. 42 is an isometric view of section K-K indicated in FIG. 39, alsoshowing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of thebelt of the third constructive version;

FIG. 43 is a front angle perspective view equal to FIG. 37 showing thesecond constructive version, but in this case the self-adjusting elasticmeans of the belt are extended;

FIG. 44 shows a rear angle perspective view of FIG. 38, but in this casethe self-adjusting elastic means of the belt are also extended;

FIG. 45 illustrates a front elevation view of the belt of FIG. 43;

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 shows a view of section L-L shown in FIG. 45, particularizingthe internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of the belt ofthe first constructive version; and

FIG. 48 is an isometric view of section L-L indicated in FIG. 45, alsoshowing the internal details of the self-adjusting elastic means of thebelt of the third constructive version.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the illustrations and their details, more particularlyFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the present invention, BELT SELF-ADJUSTABLE TO THEWAIST, is made from flexible material, such as leather, forming a longstrap (1), which constitutes the belt itself, with a cross-sectionformed by a complete flattened loop with a free gap (2), like aflattened tube, as also one of the ends of the strap, after being folded(3), receives, normally, at least one belt loop (4) and a conventionalcoupling device (5) which, in turn, can be a simple buckle or a morecomplex closure; however, any of them may provide sufficient means foradjusting and quickly coupling or uncoupling the other end of the strap(1), so that the belt can be comfortably fitted to the user's waist andcan also be removed with equal ease.

The present BELT SELF-ADJUSTABLE TO THE WAIST is characterized in that,initially, it is split at a point next to the fold (3), forming twoadjacent ends (6) and (7) on the side of the fold (3) and, on this side,said end receives in its free gap (2) the end of an elastic strap (8)and the end of a guide tongue (9), the latter having its other endfreely positioned within the gap (2) on the other end (6) of the strap(1), inside of which it is also fixed the other end of the elastic strap(8) which, in turn, is held with sufficient tension to pull the ends (6)and (7) of the strap (1) and keeping them together, making such junctionpoint virtually invisible, hence the proposed improvement does notinterfere in the design of the belt, maintaining its original impeccableappearance.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the elastic strap (8) and theguide tongue (9) are moved telescopically inside the belt on the side ofend (6) providing fully embedded means so that the belt (1), after beingadjusted to the waist, can be automatically adjusted, the circumferenceof the belt increasing or decreasing sufficiently to provide the comfortdesired when the user changes position, mainly when sitting down andstanding up again, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tightbelt.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, in another preferred embodiment, theelastic strap (8) and the guide tongue (9) are interconnected at theirends, while their opposite ends are fixed, respectively, inside end (6)and inside end (7), therefore, the same elastic effect is obtained, asshown in FIG. 8, where the two tensioned parts can be seen and, in thiscase, the tongue moves outwards and inwards in order to self-adjust.

FIGS. 4 and 8 show the extended belt, i.e., in FIG. 4 the elastic strapis stretched beyond the necessary, exposing the tip of the guide tonguewhich normally remains inside the belt (1), thus demonstrating theinwards and outwards movement of the elastic strap (8) and guide tongue(9).

In FIG. 8, the situation is the same, showing the elastic strap (8)stretched beyond the necessary, as the junction with the guide tongue(9) always remains inside the belt.

FIGS. 9 and 10 emphasize the fact that the guide tongue is formed by acontinuation of the anterior or posterior wall of the fold (3) whichconfigures the fastening point of the buckle (5).

As can be seen from the above, the elastic strap (8) and the guidetongue (9) are moved telescopically inside the belt (1), providing thefully embedded means so that said belt (1), after being adjusted to thewaist, can be automatically adjusted, increasing or decreasing thecircumference sufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the userchanges position, mainly when sitting down and standing up again,eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt, and this effectis reversed when the user returns to the standing up position and, inthis position, the elastic means practically disappears, leaving only afine line, which does not interfere in the design of the clothing.

As already stated, the present invention includes three additionalconstructive versions to provide the same elastic effect describedabove.

The first constructive version illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 18 ischaracterized in that it comprises two movable elements, also in theform of straps, one elastic inner element (11) and an outer slidingfinishing element (12) which, besides being joined together by one oftheir ends, also attach the belt loop (4) and the coupling device (5),while on the opposite side they are coupled to the corresponding end ofthe flexible strap (1), these couplings, in the case of the finishingelement (12) slides and compensates for the stretching and shrinking ofthe elastic inner element (11).

The outer sliding finishing element (12) is a folded strap which has thesame width as the flexible strap (1) and, on the folded side, forms avolute (13) which is complete with a transversal seam (14), whichconfigures and articulated point for fixing the coupling device (5),while at the opposite ends, parts (15) and (16) of the finishing element(12) extend, respectively, along the outer and inner faces of theflexible strap (1) which, in turn, at this portion, has a longitudinalslot (17) where a transverse pin (18) runs through, having its endsfixed in said parts (15) and (16), wherein said pin and slot form thelimiting means for the stretching and shrinking course of the elasticelement (11).

The elastic element (11) has one end fixed by the seam (14), while onthe other side its parts (19) and (20) extend, respectively, along withthe outer and inner faces of the flexible strap (1) and are joined bytransverse seams (21).

Logically the elastic element (11) can be a simple single strap havingits ends equally anchored, respectively, on either side of the strap (1)and on the coupling device (5), which has the same functional effect.

FIGS. 19 and 23 show the operation of the first constructive version,i.e., in such figures the belt is extended, simulating an increase ofits circumference. In this case, in FIGS. 19 and 20 the slot (17) isvisible; however, the same can be embedded and, for this, the parts (15)and (16) may present a longer length after the pin (18), sufficient tokeep said slot (17) always hidden; however, these and other changes donot interfere with the operation of the assembly, best observed in FIG.23, where it is apparent that the device (5), which is a buckle, hasbeen pulled enough to cause the stretching of elastic element (11) and,at the same time, the finishing element (12) also slides, logicallyguided by the slot (17) through the pin (18). Note that the length ofthe slot (17) limits the stretching and shrinking of the element (11),thus completing the embedded means for said belt (1), after adjusting tothe user's waist, can be automatically adjusted, increasing ordecreasing its circumference sufficiently to provide the comfort desiredwhen the user changes position, mainly when sitting down and standing upagain, eliminating the uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt, and thiseffect is reversed when the user stands up again, without losing theinitial adjustment of the belt.

The second constructive version is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 24 to30, where it appears that the same, as in the previous version,comprises a long flexible strap (1), which is the belt itself, obtainedfrom any material compatible for this purpose, including having one endwith at least one loop (4) and a conventional coupling device (5) which,in turn, can be a simple buckle or a more complex closure; however, anyof them may provide sufficient means for adjusting and quickly couplingor uncoupling of the other (not illustrated) end of the strap (1), sothat the belt can be comfortably fitted to the user's waist and can alsobe removed with equal ease.

The second constructive version shown in more detail in FIG. 29, ischaracterized by having the corresponding end of the flexible strap (1)folded to the inside, forming a short opposing portion (22) which, inturn, creates an extreme volute (23), in which passes the pivot axis(24) of the device (5) and also forms the fixing point for the belt loop(4), wherein said volute (23) is longitudinally elongated enough to forma longitudinal gap (Y) for the displacement of the device (5).

The second constructive version further comprises an internal elasticelement (25) fixed between the opposing portion (22) and the flexiblestrap (1), as well as a coupling (26) connecting the corresponding endof said elastic element (25) with the axis (24) of the device (5) which,in turn, is normally kept pulled inwards up to the point (a) by saidelastic element (25), which is capable of stretching to the point (b)when the device (5) is forced out (f). The points (a) and (b) define thecourse of stretching the strap (1), that is, define the natural diameterof the belt when the same is worn and the major diameter when the beltis forced on the user's waist.

The elastic element (25) is a folded strap forming two opposing parts(27) and has an end that passes through a transverse slot (28) of thecoupling (26) which, in turn, has the other curved end (29) couplingwith the axis (24), while opposite ends of the opposing portions (27)are fixed by a seam (30) between the opposed parts of the portion (22)and the strap (1), providing other fixing points with side seams (31)between said parts of the opposing portion (22) and the strap (1) which,in this case, maintains the elastic element (25) free, so that the samecan extend and shrink having only the seam (30) and the axis (24) as asupport point.

FIGS. 31 to 36 show the operation of the second constructive version,i.e., in such figures the belt is extended, simulating an increase ofits circumference. The operation of the assembly is better observed inFIGS. 35 and 36, where it is apparent that the device (5), which is abuckle, has been pulled enough to cause the stretching of element (25)up to the limit of the gap (y), thus providing fully embedded means sothat the belt (1), after being adjusted to the user's waist, can beautomatically adjusted, increasing or decreasing its circumferencesufficiently to provide the comfort desired when the user changesposition, mainly when sitting down and standing up again, eliminatingthe uncomfortable sensation of a tight belt.

Finally, the third constructive version is illustrated in FIGS. 37 to42, where it is found that the assembly includes all constructiondetails of the second version, the only difference being the volute (33)which, in this case, is an additional piece of a different material fromthat used in the flexible strap (1) and, therefore, said volute (33) isa thinner piece of a substantially flexible and elastic material,sufficiently to be also stretched when the device (5) is pulled out.

In this case, the elastic complementary piece (33) is capable ofmaintaining the normal shape when the elastic assembly is shrunk. Inthis condition such part (33) maintains its normal appearance and thereis no alteration in its size or position. On the other hand, this doesnot happen when the device or buckle (5) is forced out to increase thediameter of the belt, because in this condition, said part (33) isstretched in the same proportion, returning to its normal position whenthe device or buckle (5) ceases to be forced out, said part (33)decreasing again, giving the impression that there is no movement inthis region of the belt.

FIGS. 43 to 48 show the operation of the third constructive version,i.e., in such figures the belt is extended, simulating an increase ofits circumference. In this case, the operation is exactly the same asdescribed for the second version, taking into consideration only thefact that the stretching of the elastic part (33) is not illustrated;therefore, it is understood that this effect also occurs when the beltis forced to its larger diameter.

1. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, the type manufactured in leather,forming a long flexible strap which constitutes the belt itself, with across-section formed by a complete flattened loop with a free gap, likea flattened tube, as well as one of its end, after being foldedreceives, normally, at least one belt loop and a conventional couplingdevice which, in turn, can be a simple buckle or a more complex closure;however, any of them may provide sufficient means for adjusting andquickly coupling or uncoupling the other end of the strap; characterizedin that the strap is split at a point next to the fold, forming twoadjacent ends and, one on the side of the fold and, on this side, saidend receives in its free gap the end of an elastic strap and the end ofa guide tongue, the latter having its other end freely positioned withinthe gap on the other end of the strap, inside of which it is also fixedthe other end of the elastic strap which, in turn, is held withsufficient tension to traction the ends and of the strap and keepingthem together until a stronger stretching force is applied to the belt.2. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 1,characterized in that, in another preferred embodiment, the elasticstrap and the guide tongue are interconnected at their ends, while theiropposite ends are fixed, respectively, within the end and within theend, both being embedded in the gap of end.
 3. Belt self-adjustable tothe waist, according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide tongueis formed by a continuation of the anterior or posterior wall of thehinge region which configures the buckle fastening point.
 4. Beltself-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 1, characterized inthat the first constructive version comprises two movable elements, alsoin the form of straps, one elastic inner element and an outer slidingfinishing element which, besides being joined together by one of theirends, also attach the belt loop and the coupling device, while on theopposite side they are coupled to the corresponding end of the flexiblestrap, these couplings, in the case of the finishing element slides andcompensates for the stretching and shrinking of the elastic innerelement.
 5. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 4,characterized in that the outer sliding finishing element is a foldedstrap which has the same width as the flexible strap and, on the foldedside, forms a volute which is complete with a transversal seam, whichconfigures and articulated point for fixing the coupling device, whileat the opposite ends, parts and of the finishing element extend,respectively, along the outer and inner faces of the flexible strapwhich, in turn, at this portion, has a longitudinal slot where atransverse pin runs through, having its ends fixed in said parts and,wherein said pin and slot form the limiting means for the stretching andshrinking course of the elastic element.
 6. Belt self-adjustable to thewaist, according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic elementhas one end fixed by the seam, while on the other side its parts andextend, respectively, along with the outer and inner faces of theflexible strap and are joined by transverse seams.
 7. Beltself-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 4, characterized inthat the elastic element is a single strap, having its ends equallyanchored, respectively, on either side of the strap and the device. 8.Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 4, characterizedin that, the parts and are sufficiently extended beyond the pin tomaintain it always embedded within said slot.
 9. Belt self-adjustable tothe waist, according to claim 1, characterized in that the secondconstructive version has the corresponding end of the flexible stripfolded to the inside forming a short opposed portions which, in turn,configures an extreme volute, in which passes the pivot axis of thedevice and also forms the fixing point for the belt loop, wherein saidvolute is longitudinally elongated enough to form a longitudinal gap (Y)for the displacement of the device; further comprises an elastic innerelement fixed between opposed portions and the flexible strap, as wellas a coupling connecting the corresponding end of said elastic elementwith the axis of the device which, in turn, is normally kept pulledinwards up to the point (a) by said elastic element, which is capable ofstretching to the point (b) when the device is forced out (f).
 10. Beltself-adjustable to the waist, according to claim 9, characterized inthat the elastic element is a folded strap forming two opposing partsand has an end that passes through a transverse slot of the couplingwhich, in turn, has the other curved end coupling with the axis, whileopposite ends of the opposing portions are fixed by a seam between theopposed parts of the portion and the strap, providing other fixingpoints with side seams between said parts of the opposing portion andthe strap which, in this case, maintains the elastic element free, sothat the same can extend and shrink having only the seam and the axis asa support point.
 11. Belt self-adjustable to the waist, according toclaim 1, characterized by comprising a volute which is an additionalpiece, thinner that the flexible strap.
 12. Belt self-adjustable to thewaist, according to claim 11, characterized in that the additional partof the volute is a thinner laminate elastic component.